I think it's important to realise that we share this planet with millions of other species. I think it's even more important to understand that we can't do without them.
So I'm delighted to support the Royal Entomological Society as they launch National Insect Week 2012, which starts today and runs until Sunday 1 July.
I hand over to RES's Dave George to explain more:
"National Insect Week is held very two years to promote awareness of the value of a diverse insect world to the environment and is supported by more than 50 national partner organisations concerned about natural history and biodiversity.
"Taking inspiration from the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, this year’s National Insect Week theme is ‘Celebrating Great British Insects’.
"And there’s a lot to celebrate. There are about 100,000 known species of insects in Europe and a quarter of those are found in the UK.
"You can do your bit to ensure our Great British Insects continue to thrive. With gardens covering over one million hectares of Britain, they could represent a real haven for insects."
I totally agree. And I think that if you pare it back to basics, there are just three big things to do to achieve it:
1) Grow plants plants plants - they underpin all life
2) Add some water - many of our garden insects rely on it
3) And cut out the pesticides wherever possible.
And the results include garden wonders such as this...
and this...
With all the photos taken in my small garden, they make it easy to be an insect fan.
(PS: The photos are of Emperor Dragonfly, Comma butterfly, and Privet Hawkmoth)